Automated individualized learning program creation system and associated methods

ABSTRACT

An interactive learning system and method are provided that identify a “gap” between the skill(s) possessed by the individual and those required by an organization and then creates a training regimen to fill that gap. The system and method precisely map the training to the defined required skills by identifying a skill desired to be possessed of a user and accessing a first electronic database that comprises a set of skills currently possessed by the user. Next the desired skill is compared with the possessed set of skills. If the possessed set of skills does not comprise the desired skill, the desired skill is mapped with a training regimen resident in a second electronic database. Then the user is automatically presented with the training regimen. A desired skill level may also be also specified and compared with the skill level currently possessed by the user. If the desired skill level has not yet been achieved, again a mapping is performed and a linked training regimen presented to the user.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority from copending application Ser. No. 09/705,153, “Automated System and Methods for Creating an Individualized Learning Program,” filed Nov. 2, 2000, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference hereinto.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention pertains to automated interactive training prescription systems and methods. More particularly, the invention pertains to skills management and learning management systems and methods that perform employee job and/or skills assessments. Most particularly, the invention establishes a system and method for identifying skill gaps in a user and automatically mapping a precise training regimen to the identified skill gaps.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Traditionally, organizations have focused their workforce by creating fairly narrowly defined jobs and improving skill-sets of the individuals in those jobs by using periodic training. However, as the workplace environment becomes ever more dynamic, job requirements are becoming increasingly more fluid with corresponding employee skill deficiencies that need to be identified in near real-time. Modern-day organizations require their workforce to have varying levels of knowledge and skills in the same subjects. Organizations are posturing themselves to develop accurate profiles of their employees, knowing what knowledge and skills are present within the organization, the competency levels required for each job, where the deficiencies are, and how to provide timely skills upgrading.

[0004] The traditional manual association (i.e., linkage) of knowledge and skill-set requirements to training interventions is a resource-intensive activity that cannot provide timely responses to ever-changing job requirements. Automated tools and procedures are needed to assist organizations in prescribing the exact training interventions that are needed to satisfy employee skill deficiencies. Thus, in order to fulfill these needs, skills management systems and learning management systems must incorporate an automated system and method that can perform the analysis of employee skill deficiencies and provide a precise training regimen that will bring the employee to the desired competency level. This system and method must also be responsive to organizational skill changes/upgrading and the introduction of new/changed training programs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a system and method that identify a gap between skills possessed by a user and those desired by an organization for the user to possess.

[0006] It is also an object to provide such a system and method that creates a training regimen to fill the identified skill gap.

[0007] It is a further object to provide such a system and method for creating an interactive learning environment that is specific to a skill desired to be learned and to a skill level already possessed by the user.

[0008] It is another object is to provide such a system and method for maintaining and upgrading the linkages between skilling objects, which comprise integral skills, and training interventions commensurate with an introduction of new skilling objects or training interventions or changes to existing ones.

[0009] In accordance with the present invention, an interactive learning system and method are provided that identify a “gap” between the skill(s) possessed by the individual and those required by an organization and then creates a training regimen to fill that gap. The system and method precisely map the training to the defined required skills. In one aspect of the invention, an individualized learning sequence can be developed and presented to the user for the purpose of improving a user's skill and understanding with respect to selected subject matter. While known prior art systems use manual linking of recommended training elements with a desired skill to be learned, the present automatic invention reduces, by at least 95%, the time required to create a link.

[0010] Numerous other advantages and features of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the embodiments thereof, from the claims and from the accompanying drawings in which the details of the invention are fully and completely disclosed as a part of this specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011]FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary architecture for the system of the present invention.

[0012]FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of a typical flow for a user through the functional components of the system of FIG. 1A.

[0013]FIG. 1C is a schematic diagram of the functional components of the system of FIG. 1A.

[0014]FIG. 1D is a flow diagram of the details of the matching process.

[0015]FIG. 1E is a flow diagram of the details of the gap analysis process.

[0016]FIG. 1F is a schematic diagram of a typical flow through the gap analysis process and a resultant recommendation.

[0017]FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of the method for creating an individual development plan.

[0018]FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate in tabular fashion the data flow for creating a customized individual learning plan.

[0019]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of automatic matching, automatic linkage, and semiautomatic linkage for creating a training regimen.

[0020]FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the updating process.

[0021]FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a process of selecting learning objects for the creation of a personalized learning experience.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] A description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be presented with reference to FIGS. 1-6.

[0023]FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of the hardware of a preferred embodiment of a system 10 to address the problem solved by the present invention; FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of a typical flow for a user through the functional components of the system; FIG. 1C is a schematic diagram of the functional components.

[0024] The system 10 incorporates a plurality of components (FIGS. 1A and 1C), including a control unit 12, comprising, for example, a microprocessor. Associated with the microprocessor 12 are read-only memory 14 and read-write memory RAM 16, which communicate with the processor 12 via a bidirectional bus structure 18. The memories 14,16, as is known in the art, can be used to permanently or temporarily store constants, programs being executed, or related data.

[0025] Also coupled to the bus 18 is a monitor, such as a CRT-type display 20, disk drive 24, CD-ROM drive 26, and a user input device 28. The user input device 28 may comprise, for example, a keyboard; it could alternately or in addition comprise a pointing device, such as a mouse, or touch screen.

[0026] A local area network (LAN) interface 30 enables the system 10 to communicate with the local network 31 (e.g., intranet). Further, a remote network interface 32 provides bidirectional communication with the World Wide Web or other remote networks (e.g., Internet), either through telecommunications or through other forms of data transmission without limitation.

[0027] In normal operation, software programs can be stored on and read from disk drive 24 or CD-ROM drive 26. Information can also be read from the CD-ROM drive 26. Both the disk drive 24 and the CD-ROM drive 26 can be used as sources from which databases can be accessed; alternatively, databases may be accessed via the LAN interface 30 or the remote network interface 32.

[0028] During normal operation of the system 10, visual information can be displayed on the display unit 20, whether being used by a user or management personnel, under control of the processor 12. Information can be read from disk drive 24 or CD-ROM drive 26 for the purpose of displaying same to the user/manager. A control program, or a suite of such programs, for the purpose of carrying out the processes of the present invention can be stored on one or both of disk drive 24 or CD-ROM 26 for access by processor 12. Processor 12 is thus able to carry out any of a number of prestored processes that provide for the multiplicity of functions to be described herein.

[0029] A overall interactive schematic of one aspect of the invention, which comprises a computer-based method of automatically determining and providing an individualized l earning sequence, is illustrated in FIG. 1B. In this embodiment of the method, an organization has identified a skill area in which it desires for a known individual to gain proficiency, and learning tools are available for addressing this need.

[0030] In the system 10, the skills are assembled in a skills database 200. When an individual is needed to perform what may be a new skill or an existing skill at a higher skill level, an analysis of the skill possessed already by the individual 204 is performed to determine whether a “gap” 206 exists between the skill 204 and that needed by the organization 202. Preferably this analysis is performed electronically, with the use of gap generator software. The system 10, through the use of gap analysis software of the present invention, creates a complete set of training recommendations to satisfy the gap. An individual development plan 208 for the given skill comprises these training recommendations.

[0031] The system's 10 gap analysis software (FIGS. 1E and 1F) converts the two incoming competency levels 80, the user's current level and the desired level to be attained, to a decimal equivalent (percent) 81 (block 660). This normalizes the values so that proper comparison may be made between different competency rating scales. These percentages are then compared with all training interventions linked to the desired skilling object (block 661) in the training intervention metadata database 82. Linked training interventions whose competency levels are within the range set by the incoming levels (i.e., ≦the desired level and≧current level) are identified as the initial set of training recommendations 83 (block 662).

[0032] A “complete” set of training recommendations 84 is accomplished by examining the prerequisite training intervention metadata element of each of the initial set of training recommendations. Prerequisites 85 are added to the initial set of training recommendations (block 663), and are indented or highlighted to indicate that they are “prerequisites” and not the primary training recommendations required to fill a skill gap.

[0033] The information contained in each training recommendation comprises the training intervention ID and the competency level and the prerequisite training intervention IDs.

[0034] If a gap 206 exists, data representative of the linkage between the required skill and skill level (i.e., competency level) to the appropriate set of training interventions in the training intervention metadata database 207 are used to create an “individual development plan” (IDP) 208. When desired, the course(s) to be taken from the regimen may be accessed from the course database 209.

[0035] Typically, not only a particular skill will be required, but also a predetermined level of skill. To this end the skills database 200 will also comprise the individual's skill level for each skill. In this case, the “gap” 206 further comprises a difference in skill level between that which the individual possesses in that skill and that desired by the organization.

[0036]FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of the method 40 for creating an individual development plan. In this aspect of the method the organization, typically by way of a supervisor or manager, identifies a skill and skill level desired to be possessed by the user 401. The system 10 then accesses the skills database 402 and retrieves the user's skills and skill levels 403. If the desired skill is not already possessed by user 404, the desired skill is mapped with the appropriate training regimen 406. If the desired skill is already possessed by the user 404, the system then checks whether the desired skill level is less than or equal to the user's skill level 405. If so, the system exits 408. If the desired skill level is greater than that possessed by the user 405, the desired skill is mapped with the appropriate training regimen 406; that is, the skills domain is mapped to the training domain.

[0037] In some cases the gap 206 is sufficiently great that a plurality of courses will need to be assigned to the user. For example, if the user has a skill level of “1” for a particular skill, and the desired skill level is “5,” the user will be assigned a training regimen comprising courses matched to skill levels 1 through 5 of that skill, so that all prerequisites are met en route to achieving the desired skill level.

[0038] Once the mapping has occurred 406, the training regimen is presented to the user 407. The types of information that may be obtained by the user is accessed via the metadata resident in a third database 207. The metadata comprise information that describes the attributes of a resource, the training regimen, and here serve as a link between the skills database and the mapping function of the system. Examples of metadata elements include, but are not intended to be limited to, an identifier (ID), a title of the training regimen, a description thereof, objectives therefor, duration, version, size, platform requirements, and prerequisites.

[0039] A tabular depiction of the data flow comprising the mapping is given in FIGS. 3A and 3B, wherein a first table 41 contains the user skills and organization requirements from databases 204,202, including a column of skills 411, the user's current skill level 412, and the organization's desired skill level 413. From these data is generated a second table 42, demonstrating the “skills gap” for each skill, the first column 421 again comprising the skills, the second column 422 the user's current skill level, and the third column 423 the desired skill level. In this table 42, the rows of table 41 have been deleted wherein the user's skill levels matched or exceeded those required.

[0040] In a third table 43 a training map is formed, wherein each skill 431 that appears in the second table 42 is located in the metadata database, and mapped to all available courses 433 and their respective skill levels 432. Another important aspect of the invention is that a multiplicity of courses on the same skill having ascending skill levels may be defined hierarchically, so that an entry level is predefined for each course and a series of courses with ascending prerequisite skill levels included in the mapping. For example, in the table 44, five levels of courses, AA, FA, FB, AB, and AC, are recommended to achieve the desired skill level of 5 for Knowledge 1.

[0041] It should also be noted that an important aspect of the present invention is that the source of each course 433 is immaterial, as is the skill level range, and that any number of courses, levels, and sources thereof are in principle accessible by the system, so long as the metadata have been entered into the third database so that they may be accessed by the system 10.

[0042] As described previously, the metadata included in the metadata database 207 preferably include a “natural language” description 502 of each course. A schematic diagram of automatic matching, automatic linkage, and semiautomatic linkage (FIG. 4) indicates that, at this point in the process, an ID 501 of a skill in natural language in the individual's skills database 204 is automatically matched with a course description 502, as well as other metadata elements, such as title 512, also in a natural language, which is an element of the metadata set 500 for a course 510 (here Course AA) in the metadata database 207. A matching algorithm 503 resident in a processor provides the exemplary results shown in block 504. An important feature of the present invention is the ability for the administrator to select which training metadata element(s) and skilling object metadata element(s) the matching software examines, from one element to all elements. The matching algorithm 503 establishes probable matches between skills and training elements on the basis of probable relevancy, creating a match table with probability scores that provide a high level of certainty for making links of training elements to skills during the linking process.

[0043] To describe the matching process in more detail (FIG. 1D), the administrator performs a “setup” procedure, which comprises selecting metadata elements for each course and skill that are to be considered, such as course title, course description, objectives, etc. (block 680). These selected “operating elements” (Table 1), such as title, description, discipline, etc., are taken from a table containing course information (Table 2) and skills (Table 3). The selected operating elements are then fed to a “harvest” program, which searches through all the words in the operating elements (block 681) and establishes a table (block 682) that contains a list of words found, the number of times each word occurred, and position of each word in the searchable operating elements. The positions of the words may be used during the matching step to give “bonus” points to matches that contain like phrases or word groupings. For example, “software programming” found in a training element and a skill element would provide bonus points in the match score. TABLE 1 SourceTable SourceKeyCol SourceValCol Courses CourseID CourseTitle Courses CourseID CourseOverview Courses CourseID CourseObjectives Skills ObjID Title

[0044] TABLE 2 Course ID Course Title Course Overview Course Objectives 12663 C++ Programming This is the first course in a two-part Use C++ classes and functions. Fundamentals - course covering the fundamentals of Use C++ objects, data types, inline Part 1 programming with the C++ functions and referencing. programming language. This series Use composition and association in will show you how to get the benefits of C++ programs. good software engineering and code reuse by using C++ and object- oriented programming techniques in business applications.

[0045] TABLE 3 ObjID SkillType Title KNOW1012 KNOW Programming Languages: TOOL412 TOOL Oracle KNOW581 KNOW Television Programming TOOL584 TOOL UNIX (Solaris, BSD, etc.)

[0046] The administrator then runs a weighting program (block 685), which compares the words in the word table with a word skip table, which contains a list of words that are to be ignored in the weighting process, such as “a,” “an,” “the,” etc. If desired (block 683), the administrator can modify the word skip table (block 684) prior to running the weighting program (block 685). The weighting program assigns a value to the word, shown as a “1” in Table 4, to those words that should be skipped during the matching process. TABLE 4 Id Word Count Skip 354 c++ 7 0 355 programming 6 0 382 and 5 1 361 the 4 1 392 use 3 1 364 in 3 1 394 functions 2 1 368 of 2 1 363 course 2 1 359 this 2 1 357 part 2 1 356 fundamentals 2 1 375 how 1 1 371 series 1 1 373 show 1 1 376 to 1 1 372 will 1 1 374 you 1 1 370 language 1 0 369 with 1 1 367 covering 1 1 365 a 1 1 379 good 1 1 362 first 1 1 360 is 1 1 358 1 1 1 366 two 1 0 389 techniques 1 1 402 programs 1 0 401 association 1 0 400 composition 1 0 399 referencing 1 0 398 inline 1 0 397 types 1 1 396 data 1 1 395 objects 1 0 393 classes 1 0 377 get 1 1 390 business 1 1 378 benefits 1 1 388 oriented 1 0 387 object 1 0 386 using 1 1 385 by 1 1 384 reuse 1 0 383 code 1 0 381 engineering 1 0 380 software 1 0 403 languages 1 0 391 applications 1 1 415 oracle 1 0 416 television 1 0 417 unix 1 0 418 solaris 1 0 419 bsd 1 0 420 etc 1 1

[0047] The weighting program also creates a phrases table, Table 5, that contains two-, three-, and four-word phrases or word groupings. These phrases are used during the matching program to give “bonus” points to the total match score. For example, “software programming” in a training intervention element and a skilling object element would provide additional bonus points in the total match score. TABLE 5 id Phrase ObjID Count 2435 business applications 12663 1 2431 c++ programming 12663 2 2433 c++ programming language 12663 1 2434 c++ programs 12663 1 2439 inline functions 12663 1 2441 language c++ KNOW1012 1 2436 object oriented 12663 1 2437 object oriented programming 12663 1 2438 oriented programming 12663 1 2443 programming language KNOW1012 1 2444 programming language 12663 1 2442 programming language c++ KNOW1012 1 2440 television programming KNOW581 1 2445 c++ objects 12663 1 2446 c++ class 12663 1

[0048] The weighting program further contains a function that allows the administrator to insert words into a word weight table and assign a weight (normally a value other than the default weight value of “1”) to these words. This table, an example of which is found in Table 6, thereby allows the administrator to enhance the probability of valid matches due to known words in the training intervention metadata elements that are used by many different training interventions. For example, if the word “Microsoft” were used in describing many training interventions, the weight may be reduced to a value less than “1.” The administrator would complete the word weight table before running the matching program. TABLE 6 ID Word Weight 14 microsoft 0.012 15 server 0.0096 16 network 0.024 17 system 0.047 18 software 0.275 19 information 0.092 20 management 0.046 21 application 0.089 22 window 0.0093 23 lotus 0.091

[0049] Another aspect of the present invention includes a system and method for creating the word skip and word weight tables. The guidelines are presented in Table 6A, along with examples for each type of word that is expected to be encountered. As a general rule, words in the word skip table have a point value of zero (0), while words in the word weight table can have any value. Words that are not placed in one of these tables are assigned a default weight of three (3), as indicated in the “Neither” column in Table 6A. TABLE 6A It goes in: WordWeight Table with a point value as If the word can be a: For example WorkSkip Table stated Neither 1. Pronoun Only He, she, it, they, I X 2. Preposition Only For, at, X 3. Conjunction Only And, but, for, nor X 4. Interjection Only Yikes X 5. Determiner Only The, an, a X 6. Verb ONLY that are Perform, tell, organize X general and can apply Note: For those to more than one instances where subject the present participles are nouns e.g., burnishing), the word will follow guideline #22. 7. Verb ONLY whose Coagulate X use is normally (All forms) restricted to a single Point Value = 5.0 subject NOTE: Use carefully. Normally, follow the #6 guideline; Verb ONLY above 8. Verb and Adjective Approximate X X [Present tenses (Verb form and (“s ”or“ es”), past adjective) and past participle Point Value = .002 (“ed”), present participle (“ing”)] 9. Verb, Adjective, and Direct X X Adverb a. [Present (Verb form, tenses (“s” or adjective, and “es”), past and adverb) past participle Point Value = .001 (“ed”), present participle (“ing”)] b. [Adverb] 10. Verb and Noun Strike, plan, punt, X X reserve, program, [Past and past (Singular and quarter participle (“ed”), plural forms of the present participle noun) (“ing”)] Point Value = .55 Note: For those instances where the present participles are nouns (e.g., accounting), or adjectives/nouns (e.g., acting) the word will follow guideline #22. 11. Verb, Noun, and Smash, plane, X X Adjective aggregate, associate [Past and past Singular and plural participle (“ed”), forms of the noun present participle Point Value = .54 (“ing”)] Note: For those instances where the present participles are nouns (e.g., accounting), or adjectives/nouns the word will follow guideline #22. 12. Verb, Noun, Back X X Adjective and Adverb [Past and past Singular and plural participle (“ed”), forms of the noun present participle Point Value = .53 (“ing”)] 13. Verb, Noun, and Bang X X Adverb [Past and past Singular and plural participle (“ed”), forms of the noun present participle Point Value = .52 (“ing”)] 14. Noun that has more Administration, X than one definition and attention (Singular and is not extremely general plural forms of (see guideline #23) or the noun) unique (see guideline #15). Note: Included in these are the “. . . ness” nouns (e.g., accurateness) usually formed by adding “ness” to adjectives. 15. Noun/Adjective Pneumonia, X that has ONLY one hygrophytic, (Singular and definition and is unique hygroscope, plural forms of the to a particular discipline spacecraft noun) or subject. If the word is Point Value = 6.0 used often in the training interventions, such as ‘computer’, it should not be given this weight. Instead, it should be given a weight of ‘3’ (the default weight). 16. Noun and Moderate, resident X Adjective Singular form of the noun and adjective Point Value = .57 Plural form of the noun Point Value = 3.8 17. Noun, Adjective, Andante, bimonthly X and Adverb Singular form of the noun, adjective, and adverb Point Value = .56 Plural form of the noun Point Value = 3.6 18. Adjective Only X NOTE: See guideline Point Value = .004 #15 for unique adjectives.. 19. Adverb Only X 20. Adjective and X Adverb Point Value = .003 21. Noun and Adverb Tomorrow, sidesaddle X Singular form of the noun and adjective Point Value = .51 Plural form of the noun Point Value = 3.4 22. “ing” forms of a Accounting, beating, X verb used as a noun. flying, sailing Singular form of Note: If the ‘ing’ noun the noun is very general (e.g., Point Value = 2.3 planning), use a point Plural form of the value of 0.501. Also, noun the use of the 0.501 Point Value = 4.0 value is used for ‘ing’ verbs that are not classified as nouns in the dictionary but sometimes intended to be nouns or adjectives by authors of skill or training intervention titles (e.g., delegating). 23. Nouns that are Concept, concepts, X extremely general. item, items, notion, Singular and plural This includes nouns notions, idea, ideas, forms of the noun that are also adverbs, basics, yes, Point Value = .0002 verbs, and adjectives, fundamental, fundamentals 24. Words that can be leister/leisters X both a noun (singular microwave/ Singular and plural and plural) and verb microwaves, forms of the noun (present and 3^(rd) lullaby/lullabies Point Value = 5.5 person present singular) that deal with a unique discipline or subject. 25. Very general i.e., e.g. Point abbreviations. Value = 0.0001

[0050] Exceptions to these general rules are as follows:

[0051] If the word is a proper noun such as, for example, acompany name that appears many times in the training intervention metadata elements (e.g., Microsoft, Lotus) in conjunction with a product (e.g., Microsoft Excel) but only a few times in the skilling object metadata elements, then the word should be placed in the word weight table with a point value of “0.006.” In cases such as these, the company name is viewed as an ‘“adjective-like word” and, as such, is given a weight of close to the adjective weight (0.004) or 0.006. If the word is not a proper noun but is used often in the training intervention metadata, a weight of 0.05 is assigned.

[0052] If a word (or words) is used to describe a product/technology or an entity (e.g., Dolby, Visual Basic, Virtual Reality, and pneumonia), then the word (or words) should be placed in the word weight table. When assigning point values, caution should be exercised because common usage of these words will cause a higher than normal match scores for invalid associations between the skilling object and the training intervention. It is preferable that the administrator check the results of such action by running a harvest and then examine the results of such settings on the match scores. It may be necessary for the administrator to examine the words in the skilling objects. Adjustments (e.g., lowering of the point value or moving words between the word skip and word weight tables) may be necessary.

[0053] Typically, technical terms such as “Windows,” “server,” “Basic,” or “Notes” that appear often in the training interventions' metadata are placed in the word weight table with a value of 0.50 and their singular/plural forms are assigned a weight according to the guidelines contained herein. Examples include: “Basic”=0.50 and “basics”=0.54; “Notes”=0.50 and “note”=0.55; “Access”=0.50 and “accesses”=0.55.

[0054] Unique words and abbreviations such as “Dolby,” “PowerPoint,” “NASA,” or “pneumonia” would follow the guideline in Row 15 in Table 6A.

[0055] It will be understood by one of skill in the art that, although the exemplary words above primarily occur in the software and computer science arts, they are not intended to limit the breadth of the present invention, and that other subject areas will have their own terms of art for addition to the word skip and word weight tables.

[0056] Following the application of the weighting program, the match program is then utilized to perform a mathematical calculation on the tables (block 686) and create a match table (block 687) that shows which training interventions are matched to skilling objects with corresponding scores reflecting the probability of valid matches (Table 7). A score is calculated that, in an exemplary embodiment, is the sum of three scores. The higher the score, the higher the probability that a selected course supports the skill desired.

[0057] Score 1. An exemplary algorithm for calculating Score 1 is as follows, with the calculation performed for each word from word #1 to word #n in the desired skill and every course (i.e., training intervention). This score looks at each word in the skilling object and compares it to the words in each training intervention. If words are duplicated in the skilling object's words, the calculation is only performed once for each word. The software adjusts for singular and/or plurals. For example, a singular form of a word found in the training intervention and a plural form found in the skilling object are treated as equal. A default word weight value of “1” is given for each word unless modified by the word weight table.

Score 1=[(count of word #1 in course operating elements)(weight of word #1)]+[(count of word #2 in course operating elements)(weight of word #2)]+ . . . +[(count of word #n in course operating elements)(weight of word #n)]

[0058] Score 2. For each combination of two, three, or four words in the skilling object's words that match two, three, or four word combinations in the training intervention's words, bonus points (normally 500 for each match) are added to Score 2. The maximum score for Score 2 is set to 9000 (500×18 occurrences). The value of the bonus points for the two-, three-, or four-word phrase matches is adjustable by the administrator, but the maximum score for Score 2 cannot exceed 9000.

[0059] Score 3. Score 3 is obtained by comparing the words in the skilling object's and training intervention's “discipline” elements. An exact match places 10,000 points into Score 3. Score 3 may or may not be used, at the discretion of the administrator during the setup procedure. If the administrator knows that a common “discipline” element exists for some or all skilling objects and training interventions, he/she would select the elements that will be compared for establishing Score 3. If the element is selected for establishing Score 3, the element cannot be used in the Score 1 or Score 2 calculations.

[0060] In this method, Score 1 alone shows the relationship of words, without a high probability of the same contextual meaning between the skilling object and training intervention. A Score 1 value above 10 is typically a good indicator that a valid relationship exists.

[0061] A Score 2 value between 500 and 9000 indicates an increased probability of a valid relationship because of the combination of words or “like phrases.” The higher the score for Score 2, the higher the probability of a valid relationship.

[0062] By adding Score 3 to Score 1 and Score 2, the probability of a valid relationship increases dramatically, because it tells us that the skilling object and the training intervention involve the same subject matter (e.g., mathematics, chemistry, information technology, leadership, etc.). For example, a total score of 19,053 would indicate a valid relationship of the skilling object and the training intervention. In this example, both the skilling object and the training intervention could have indicated that the discipline is “IT Tools” (Score 3=10,000). There are at least 18 occurrences of matched two-word phrases such as “Microsoft Access” (Score 2=500×18=9000), and 53 occurrences of a word in the training intervention elements that match a word in the skilling object (Score 1=53).

[0063] Table 7 is an example of a Match Table showing a total score consisting of Score 1+Score 2 and all word weights equal to “1.” This table is the result of running the matching software of the present invention on the operating elements of Table 1; the training intervention used is shown in Table 2; the skilling objects in Table 3; the results of the word skip table on the words table in Table 4, with the “1”s indicating that the words were not used in the calculation; and Table 5 showing the phrases. TABLE 7 ID ObjID CourseID Score 41 KNOW1012 12663 511.0 42 KNOW581 12663  4.0

[0064] Returning to FIG. 4, the “score” 505 as calculated by the matching algorithm 503 for the results of the mapping of the skill ID 501 to the course description 502 is tabulated. A threshold level 506, which is selectable by the administrator, provides a cutoff below which a course 502 is not considered. The administrator can also select matches “manually” and create desired links in the neighborhood of the threshold 506. With automatic linkage 507 the system 10 proceeds directly to updating the appropriate course metadata element(s) 508; with semiautomatic linkage 511 the administrator intervenes by setting a desired competency level 509 prior to updating the metadata element(s) 508. The automatic linkage 507 establishes the association of the skill to the course. The semiautomatic link 511 establishes the competency level acquired from the course, as well as the association.

[0065] Specifically, the administrator creates links along the semiautomatic pathway 511 by a combination of:

[0066] 1. Selecting all matches for a range of scores (i.e., setting the lower and higher scores results in all matches equal to or greater than the lower score but less than or equal to the higher score to be linked) or above a selectable threshold level;

[0067] 2. Selecting one match at a time (i.e., link the one match selected); or

[0068] 3. Selecting multiple matches (i.e., highlighting various matches and then linking them all simultaneously).

[0069] The linking software of the present invention permits the administrator to view matches in a “linking screen,” a portion of which is illustrated in Table 8. TABLE 8 Skilling Object Training Total id ObjID CourseID Title Intervention Title Score 41 KNOW1012 12663 Programming C++ 511.0 Languages: Programming C++ Fundamentals - Part 1 42 KNOW581 12663 Television C++ 4.0 Programming Programming Fundamentals - Part 1

[0070] The administrator may view matches on the linking screen in a plurality of ways, including: by skilling object type; by skilling object identifier or group (e.g., “KNOW5**” displays all matches of skilling objects with IDs of “KNOW5xx”); by training intervention ID or group (e.g., “123**” displays all matches of training interventions with IDs of “123xx”); by match scores above or below a score; by exact match score or group (e.g., “5*” displays all scores between 50.0 and 59.9); all matches by skilling object or training intervention. The linking software further permits sorting the information in any column, in ascending or descending order.

[0071] When the administrator makes a link, by selecting a “Link” button on the screen, the match is removed from the match table so that the administrator can continue the linking process on remaining matches if desired. If the administrator subsequently removes a link, the match information is restored into the match table.

[0072] When the linking process is complete, the metadata for each course are accessed, and the competency level of each skill linked to a course is set 509, as stated above. The administrator then can call up a screen that permits viewing the training intervention metadata elements. When a particular training intervention is selected, the metadata are displayed along with all links to skilling objects. The administrator can then insert or modify the competency level for any linked training intervention. If the administrator wishes, he/she can also select a skilling object to see which training interventions are linked to it and insert or modify the competency level for any linked training intervention.

[0073] Returning to FIG. 3B, in a fourth table 44 a training plan is formulated, containing a column 441 of required skills and a column 442 of respective courses to be taken by the user. Thus it may be seen that the system precisely maps the training to the desired tasks, tools, and knowledge required by the organization. The table 44 is created dynamically, based on the user's gap information received by the gap analysis software and the links that were established during the linking process.

[0074] Another aspect of the present invention comprises a system and method for creating/updating the skilling object metadata database 204 and training metadata database 207, including creating skilling object linkages within the training metadata database 207, which is an integral feature to providing an automated or semiautomated linking framework for creating individualized training regimens. Creating/updating the training metadata database 207 is accomplished by importing training intervention metadata from any desired source into an input means of the system 10 as is known in the art, or, in some cases, providing a linkage to an external source, such as via an intranet or internet.

[0075] In an automated linking framework the results of a matching algorithm are fed to a system 508 for updating the metadata database 207. In a semiautomated matching framework the results of the matching algorithm are passed to an intermediate step 509, wherein competency level(s) may be set prior to updating the metadata database 207. Also, setting a competency level may be accomplished anytime after links have been established through automatic linkage 507.

[0076] More specifically, the software adapted to perform updates when a user adds or changes a training intervention or a skilling object. This software reconciles the differences and focuses on the impact of the new or changed training intervention or skilling object on linkages and/or competency levels.

[0077] If the administrator initiates a transfer of revised information from an external source (e.g., a learning management system, human resource system, skills management system, CD-ROM, etc.), the update software compares the new information with previously archived information to determine if changes exist and allows the administrator to make necessary updates to the linkages. This process (FIG. 5) comprises the following steps in an exemplary embodiment:

[0078] 1. The administrator initiates an input of a new training intervention and skilling object element through the input/output interface (block 620). If there is an existing archive (block 621), the software queries the administrator as to whether it is desired to “compare” for differences or to “replace” (block 622). “Replace” removes all matching and linking information in the database (block 623).

[0079] 2. If the administratorselects “compare” (block 622), the software compares the new information in the current database with the archive (block 624). If there are no differences, the software notifies the administrator (block 625) and then branches to the “main menu” screen (block 626). If there are differences, the software records the identifiers (IDs) of the objects (either new or modified objects) (block 627) and creates a “change table” that lists the IDs of the subject objects (block 628).

[0080] 3. The software then performs a word harvest on the current database for the IDs contained in the change table (block 629) and a word harvest on the archive for any IDs in the change table that exist in the archive (block 630).

[0081] 4. The software then compares the two word harvests and creates a “change word table” that reflects the differences in word counts, word positions, and phrases (block 631).

[0082] 5. After allowing the administrator the opportunity to view the change word table and to make any desired adjustments to the word skip or word weight tables, the software then modifies the words table based on the differences in the change word table (block 632).

[0083] 6. The software then runs the matching utility, and places the results in the match table (block 633).

[0084] 7. The software then allows the administrator to view a screen that shows the changes by training intervention (Table 9) or skilling object (Table 10; block 634). The example shown in Tables 9 and 10 assumes that the information in training intervention “T1” and skilling object “C” has been modified and that there are two new skilling objects, “F” and “G.” TABLE 9 Training Intervention View Training Training Skilling Skilling Archive New Intervention Intervention Object Object Match Match Link Competency ID Title ID Title Score Score Y/N/? Level T1 Title 1 A Title ABC T1AA1 T1AA2 Y 51.5 B Title DEF T1BB1 T1BB2 Y 30.0 C Title GHI T1CC1 T1CC2 N — F Title PQR ? — T2 Title 2 C Title GHI T2CC1 T2CC2 Y 35.0 D Title JKL T2DD1 T2DD2 Y 70.0 E Title T2EE1 T2EE2 Y 50.5 MNO F Title PQR — T2FF2 ? — T9 Title 3 F Title PQR — T9FF2 ? — G Title STU — T9GG2 ? —

[0085] TABLE 10 Skilling Object View Skilling Skilling Training Training Archive New Object Object Intervention Intervention Match Match Link Competency ID Title ID Title Score Score Y/N/? Level C Title T1 Title 1 T1CC1 T1CC2 N — GHI T2 Title 2 T2CC1 T2CC2 Y 35.0 F Title T1 Title 1 — T1FF2 ? — PQR T2 Title 2 — T2FF2 ? — T9 Title 9 — T9FF2 ? — G Title T9 Title 9 — T9GG2 ? — STU

[0086] 8. Both views display every object affected by the changes, the titles of the object and training intervention, the archive match score, the new match score, any links that were previously made, and the corresponding competency levels. Additional features of these views include:

[0087] a. Modified and new objects are highlighted (here shown in boldface) to make it easy for the administrator to identify them from unchanged objects (block 635).

[0088] b. Double clicking on an object (training intervention or skilling object) displays a window that shows the archive information and the new information (block 636). This allows the administrator to make judgments on the impact of the new information on links. Obviously, new objects would not have previous information.

[0089] c. The provision to link (either by individual selections or between scores) and to set the competency levels provided (block 637).

[0090] d. The link for each new or modified object is initially shown as a question mark (?), and its corresponding competency level is shown as a dash (-) (block 638). This facilitates the administrator's being able to see which links and competency levels have to be made.

[0091] e. All links and competency levels for the changed objects should be made before exiting the update software (block 639). If the administrator exits the update software without making a link and competency determination for every new object (i.e., changing the “Link” column to either “N” or “Y” and setting the competency level for every Y), the software prompts the administrator (block 640), indicating that all links and competency levels for the changed objects were not made and that the working data will be saved to be worked on at a later time.

[0092] 9. If the administrator exits the update software without completing the links and competency levels, the software provides a prompt to the administrator each time the program is entered.

[0093]FIG. 1C represents the functional interplay between system elements for two anticipated accessors of the system 10: an administrator and a user/employee. The administrator's tasks include: (1) load/manage training metadata database; (2) load/manage skilling object metadata database; (3) maintain system configurations; (4) view training intervention metadata elements; (5) view skilling object metadata elements; (6) run software utilities; (7) link training interventions to skilling objects and set corresponding competency levels; and (8) prepare reports. The manager's tasks include: (1) view available courses; (2) view available skills; (3) search courses; (4) create/manage collections of courses based on existing objects; (5) match skills to courses; and (6) report progress. The user's tasks include: (1) select skills needed based on the gap analysis; (2) generate an individual development plan; and (3) send a curriculum to a course management system. The division of tasks within the system 10 are summarized in Table 11. TABLE 11 Precision Skilling Functions Input/Output Function The Administrator 1. Input Initial Skilling Controls the transfer of the training intervention and skilling Object and Training object metadata elements from the LMS to the PS database Intervention Metadata at the onset. Elements 2. Input Updated (See Update Software) Skilling Object and Training Intervention Metadata Elements 3. Output database Controls the transfer of PS database tables to the LMS tables to LMS and/or removable media. 4. Provide reports Creates the following reports: 1.  Linked Skilling Objects - A listing of all linked skilling    objects and the corresponding training interventions    with competency levels. 2.  Linked Training Interventions - A listing of all linked    training interventions with competency levels and the    corresponding skilling objects. 3.  Unlinked Skilling Objects - A listing of all unlinked    skilling objects. 4.  Unlinked Training Interventions - A listing of all unlinked    training interventions. Function The Employee Accept Skilling Object Via the LMS Gap Generator, initiates the sending of the Gap Information. gap information to PS. Matching Software Function The Administrator 1. Setup Utility Selects which skilling object and training intervention metadata elements will be used in the Harvest and Match programs. 2. Harvest Utility Executes the Harvest Utility software that searches through all of the words in the training intervention and skilling object metadata operating elements to establish: 1. The Words Table which contains: a)   a listing of words found, and b)   the number of times each word was found. 2.  The juncWords_Courses Table that records the    position of each word in the training intervention    operating elements. 3.  The juncWords_Skills Table that records the position    of each word in the skilling object operating elements. 3. Weight Utility 1.  May modify the Word Skip Table prior to initiating the    execution of the Weight Utility software. 2.  Executes the Weight Utility software that:     a)  Compares the Word Table to the Word Skip       Table. Words in the Words table that are found in       the Word Skip Table are set to “1”, indicating they       will be skipped (i.e., ignored) during the Match       Utility.     b)  Creates a Phrases Table that contains two and       three word phrases or groupings. These phrases       will be used during in the Matching Utility to give       “bonus” points for phrase matches found in the       training intervention and the skilling object. 3.  Insert words and corresponding weights into the Word    Weight Table to enhance the probability of valid    matches due to known words in the training    intervention metadata elements that are used by many    training interventions. The word weights would    normally be set to a value less than “1” (the default    weight for each word). 4. Match Executes the Match Software that computes a score of probable valid match for each skilling object to training intervention (i.e., the training intervention supports the skilling object). The resulting Match Table provides a listing of probable valid matches with corresponding scores. The total match score is the sum of three individual scores (see Match Utility paragraph for details). Linking Software Function The Administrator 1. Link Training Examines the contents of the Match Table via a Linking Screen to Intervention(s) to Skilling select which matches are valid matches and executes the Link Object(s) Software that records the link to the skilling framework discipline in the training intervention metadata element (Classification. Purpose (Discipline). TaxonPath). The administrator makes links by combination of: 1.  selecting all matches between two match values, 2.  selecting one match at a time (i.e., link the one match    selected), or 3.  selecting multiple matches (i.e., highlighting various matches    and then linking them all at the same time). Once a link is made, the match information for that link is removed from the Linking Screen. 2. Setting Competency 1.  Selects a screen where he/she can select: Levels    a)  A single training intervention    b)  Grouping of training interventions (e.g., all 123xx       courses)    c)  All training interventions 4.  Then calls up the training intervention metadata for    examination. 5.  Enters the competency level for the link to each skilling    object (i.e., at what competency level does this training    intervention support each of the linked skilling objects). 3. Change Competency 1.  Selects a screen where he/she can select: Levels    a)  A single training intervention    b)  Grouping of training interventions (e.g., all 123xx       courses)    c)  All training interventions 4.  Then calls up the training intervention metadata for    examination. 5.  Changes the competency level for any link to a skilling object    (i.e., at what competency level does this training intervention    support each of the linked skilling objects). 4. Delete a Link 1.  Selects a screen where he/she can select:    a)  A single training intervention    b)  Grouping of training interventions (e.g., all 123xx       courses)    c)  All training interventions 2.  Then calls up the training intervention metadata for    examination. 3.  Deletes any link to a skilling object. Note: Any link that is deleted results in having the original match information placed back into the Linking Screen. Update Software Function The Administrator 1. Input Updated Skilling 1.  Initiates the input of the new training intervention and skilling Object and Training    object elements through the Input/Output Interface. Intervention Metadata 2.  If there is an existing archive (i.e., Precision Skilling has Elements    previously operated on the elements), the Update Software    queries the administrator as to whether he/she wants to    “Compare” for differences or to “Replace”. “Replace”    removes all matching and linking information in the current    database. NOTE: Replacement is not normally done in an    operational environment. 3.  If the administrator selects “Replace”, the software branches    to the ‘Main Menu’ screen. 4.  If the administrator selects ‘Compare’, the software    compares the new information in the current database with    the archive.    a)  If there are no differences, the software notifies the       administrator and then branches to the ‘Main Menu’       screen    b)  If there are differences, the software records the      identifiers (ID’s) of the objects (either new or modified      objects) and creates a “Change Table” that lists the ID’s      of the subject objects.     1)   The software then performs a word harvest on       the current database for the ID’s contained in the       Change Table and a word harvest on the archive for       any ID’s in the Change Table that exist in the       archive.     2)   The software then compares the two harvests       and creates a “Change Word Table” that reflects the       differences in word counts.     3)   The software pauses to allow the administrator       the opportunity to view the Change Word Table and       to make any adjustments to the Word Skip or Word       Weight tables 2. Adjust Word Skip and The administrator views the Change Word Table and to make Word Weight Tables any adjustments to the Word Skip or Word Weight tables. 3. Access impact of 1.  When finished with any changes he/she might make, the changes on link    administrator resumes the Update software. information    a)  The software then modifies the “Words Table” based on       the differences in the Change Word Table.    b)  The software then runs the Match Utility on the changed       training intervention and skilling object metadata       databases, placing the results in the Match Table.    c)  The software then allows the administrator to view a       screen that shows the changes by training interventions       or skilling objects. Both views display every object       affected by the changes, the titles of the skilling object       and training intervention, the archive match score, the       new match score, any links that were previously made,       and the corresponding competency levels. Modified and       new objects are highlighted to make it easy for the       administrator to identify them from unchanged objects. 2.  The administrator then selects (e.g., double clicking on the    object) an object (training intervention or skilling object) to    have the software display a window that shows the archive    information and the new information. This allows the    administrator to make judgements on the impact of the new    information on links. Obviously, new objects would not have    previous information. 4. Update Link If the administrator determines changes are needed to the link Information information or there are new objects (training interventions or skilling objects), he/she inserts the appropriate information.   1.  The software provides the capability for the administrator     to link (by individual selections, between scores, or     above a threshold score) and to set the competency     levels.   2.  The software initially shows the link for each new or     modified object as a question mark (?) and its     corresponding competency level as a dash (-). This     makes it easy for the administrator to see which links     and competency levels he/she has to make. Note 1: All links and competency levels for the changed objects should be made before the administrator exits the Update Software. If the administrator exits the Update Software without making a link and competency determination for every new object (i.e., changing the Link column to either N or Y and setting the competency level for every Y), the software prompts the administrator indicating that all links and competency levels for the changed objects were not made and that the working data will be saved to be worked on at a later time. Note 2: If the administrator exits the Update Software without completing the links and competency levels, the software provides a prompt to the administrator each time he/she enters Precision Skilling. Gap Analysis Software Function The Software 1. Accept Gap Receives information for one skilling object gap Information 2. Convert Gap Levels to The software converts the levels to percentages only if the gap Percentages levels are not in percentages. Note: The administrator establishes whether to convert or not convert based on the client's rating scales. It may be possible for a client who is supporting several skill frameworks to have some gaps generated as percentage and others as simple rating scales (with decimals). 3. Compile the List of 1.  The software examines the Skilling Object ID to compile a Training Interventions    list of linked training interventions with competency levels    that fall within the range of the “desired” level and the    “actual” level. 2.  For every training intervention identified in the list, the    software looks at the Training Intervention “Prerequisite”    element and adds the prerequisites to the list. 4. Send the Training The software sends an ordered list of training interventions to Interventions to the LMS the LMS. Each training intervention in the list includes: 1.  The Training Intervention ID 2.  The Competency Level of the training intervention for the    skilling object expressed in the form received by the LMS    (i.e., single digit, with or without fraction, or percentage). 3.  Followed by the Prerequisite IDs

[0094] The administrator's interactions include a login 701 to the processor 12, which typically includes an entry of a password. The administrator is permitted by the system to access the user management subsystem 702 and a user database 703 thereby.

[0095] The administrator is responsible for automatically loading the desired skilling object metadata elements into the skilling object metadata database 200, via a routine 704 adapted therefor. The administrator is also responsible for automatically loading training intervention metadata elements into the training intervention metadata database 207 via a routine 706 adapted therefor. Help files 707 are also provided for guiding the administrator through the system. For courses that do not contain assessment features therewith, the administrator can use an assessment architect 708 to create them.

[0096] The administrator uses the matching routine 503 to match training interventions in the training intervention metadata database 207 to skilling objects in the skilling object metadata database 200. The matching routine 503 creates a Match Table 504 that contains scores for each match; the higher the score, the higher the probability of a valid association. Help files 709 are also provided here. The linking software 711 establishes a link and competency table (actually a subset of the training intervention metadata database) that reflects the valid association of skilling objects to training interventions. These associations and corresponding competency levels are used during the gap analysis process 202-207.

[0097] The user/employee accesses the system 10 and initiates the gap analysis process 202-207, as described earlier. The gap analysis software establishes an individual development plan 208 for the incoming skill gap. The system 10 exports the individual development plan 208 to an external learning management system 710, which the user accesses to take or register for the prescribed training interventions (courses).

[0098] From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. It is, of course, intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-based method for implementing a system for automatically producing an individualized learning sequence in a subject area to a user for addressing a skill gap between a skill level of the user and a skill level desired to be possessed, the method comprising the steps of: entering into a first electronic database a skill level currently possessed by a user in at least one skill in a predetermined subject area; comparing the possessed skill level with a skill level desired to be possessed by the user in the at least one skill; determining from the comparing step a skill gap between the possessed skill level and the desired skill level; mapping the skill gap with at least one course having an entry in a second electronic database to fill the skill gap; and presenting the user with a training regimen comprising the at least one mapped course.
 2. The method recited in claim 1, wherein the entry for each course in the second electronic database comprises a skill level achievable with the use of the course and a prerequisite skill level, and the mapping step comprises the steps of: locating a first course in the second database having a prerequisite skill level less than or equal to the possessed skill level; adding the first course to the training regimen; if the first course achievable skill level is less than the desired skill level, locating a second course in the second database having a prerequisite skill level less than or equal to the first course achievable skill level and further having an achievable skill level greater than the first course achievable skill level; and adding the second course to the training regimen.
 3. The method recited in claim 1, wherein each course entry further comprises a natural language description of the course.
 4. The method recited in claim 3, further comprising the step, preceding the comparing step, of entering a natural language description of the at least one skill in the predetermined subject area, and wherein the mapping step comprises the steps of: matching words in the natural language descriptions of the mapped course in the second database and of the at least one skill in the predetermined subject area; ranking each course having at least one matching word with the description of the at least one skill in the predetermined subject area for probable relevancy.
 5. The method recited in claim 4, further comprising the steps, prior to the matching step, of: tabulating each word in the natural language description of the mapped course; tabulating a number of occurrences of each word in the natural language description of the mapped course; comparing each word in the natural language description of the mapped with a list of words that should be skipped; assigning a null weighting value to each word that should be skipped as determined by the each word comparing step; assigning a weighting value to each nonskipped word; and the ranking step comprises using each matching word and the weighting value of each matching word to determine a score indicative of the probable relevancy.
 6. The method recited in claim 5, wherein tabulating steps further comprise: tabulating each word phrase in the natural language description of the mapped course; and tabulating a number of occurrences of each word phrase in the natural language description of the mapped course; and wherein: the word matching step comprises matching word phrases in the natural language descriptions of the mapped course in the second database and of the at least one skill in the predetermined subject area; the weighting value assigning step further comprises assigning a weighting value to each word phrase; and the ranking step further comprises using each matching word phrase and the weighting value of each matching word phrase to supplement the score indicative of the probable relevancy. 